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Archive 2012 · Value of macro lens?

  
 
Jamesbjenkins
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p.1 #1 · p.1 #1 · Value of macro lens?


Hey all, I've been considering adding a macro lens to my arsenal, particularly the 105mm f/2.8 VR Micro. I'm starting to get into albums more and I'm severely lacking in my "detail shot" portfolio.

I know the 105mm is also a great portrait lens, so it wouldn't be getting a lens for a small handful of images during the day. Up until now, I've used the 24-70 b/c its minimum focus distance is really good, but almost all my ring shots are just lacking the "wow" of so many macro shots I've seen.

What are your thoughts on a macro lens for the wedding day? Worth the hassle?



Dec 18, 2012 at 12:29 PM
Mitch W
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p.1 #2 · p.1 #2 · Value of macro lens?


Can't comment on the lens, but I really like my cheapo lens extension tube.
http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-1cNDt2l5Cxk/UIBn3ovVW6I/AAAAAAAAHTw/iMSD-zu7QIQ/s1600/Engagement+Ring+002.jpg

although I also like forcing myself to think more creatively/environmentally when using a 'regular' lens for my ring shots -
http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-rizpRG3W_Hc/ULe31HtLYTI/AAAAAAAAHkQ/QcotIC_a7Gs/s1600/Wedding+Engagement+Ring+Photos+003.jpg



Dec 18, 2012 at 12:35 PM
Robin Usagani
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p.1 #3 · p.1 #3 · Value of macro lens?


I think it is worth it. 105 is a good length especially if you like to mess around during your free time to photographing insects. If you just want to use it for rings, you dont really need 1:1 macro and you dont need that long of a glass. It is probably best to shoot detail shots with flash when there is not a lot of light. But sometimes you dont want to shoot it with flash. That is when it is kinda nice not to have that long of a lens to minimize motion blur. If I had to redo my purchase, I probably would have bought 50mm macro lens. 1:2 magnification is plenty and you dont need AF for macro. Plus it is 1 stop faster!

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/662721-REG/Zeiss_1771_845_Makro_Planar_T_50mm_f_2.html

Edited on Dec 18, 2012 at 12:43 PM · View previous versions



Dec 18, 2012 at 12:42 PM
johnrg
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p.1 #4 · p.1 #4 · Value of macro lens?


I have the 60mm f/2.8. It's cheaper than the 105VR and works great.

http://www.johngibsonphoto.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/06/jessica-juan-10.jpg



Dec 18, 2012 at 12:43 PM
Robin Usagani
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p.1 #5 · p.1 #5 · Value of macro lens?


i use 90mm Tamron

http://usagani.com/img/s1/v54/p998508854-4.jpg
http://usagani.com/img/s2/v60/p1235728312-4.jpg

Edited on Dec 18, 2012 at 12:46 PM · View previous versions



Dec 18, 2012 at 12:44 PM
widjayaman
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p.1 #6 · p.1 #6 · Value of macro lens?


+1 for tamron.


Dec 18, 2012 at 12:46 PM
Mark_L
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p.1 #7 · p.1 #7 · Value of macro lens?


I have gone the extension tube route and really it is a pain unless you shoot at the same distance with the same lens enough to know immediately which tube or combination you need to use.

Honestly with 36MP I have just started cropping heavily, no one wants a big print of a detail shot.

Edited on Dec 18, 2012 at 12:51 PM · View previous versions



Dec 18, 2012 at 12:46 PM
Mitch W
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p.1 #8 · p.1 #8 · Value of macro lens?


I'll usually use a small, inexpensive video light to add dramatic light to my ring shots. The extension tube was something like $30, and another $30 for the video light. I love it, very easy to use on a variety of lenses. I typically throw it on my 50L.


Dec 18, 2012 at 12:47 PM
Robin Usagani
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p.1 #9 · p.1 #9 · Value of macro lens?


This... also to add what Mark said, your DOF is so thin when you shoot it close. You are better off shooting it farther and crop. Thats why I suggested 1:2 macro lens. Shooting it farther with wider aperture is better than up close with smaller aperture IMO.

Mark_L wrote:
I have gone the extension tube route and honestly it is a pain unless you shoot at the same distance with the same lens enough to know immediately which tube or combination you need to use.

Honestly with 36MP I have just started cropping heavily, no one wants a big print of a detail shot.




Dec 18, 2012 at 12:50 PM
deepbluejh
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p.1 #10 · p.1 #10 · Value of macro lens?


My macro lens gets used exclusively for ring shots. Some might consider it a waste just for that purpose, but if details shots of very small objects are a staple of your photography, then it's not a bad buy.

I've had my 100/2.8 macro since 2004 and I could sell it today for as much as I bought it for 8 years ago. Pretty amazing really.



Dec 18, 2012 at 01:05 PM
dhp_sf
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p.1 #11 · p.1 #11 · Value of macro lens?


I have one but pretty much only use it for ring shots. It's kind of silly for me to have it honestly... I should probably sell it to fund some other fun specialty lens...like a 24 TS-E!


Dec 18, 2012 at 01:05 PM
swoop
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p.1 #12 · p.1 #12 · Value of macro lens?


Mitch W wrote:
Can't comment on the lens, but I really like my cheapo lens extension tube.


Exactly. Don't bother with a macro lens, it's just added weight for something you'll rarely use. A 12mm extension tube can do a fine job and takes up little space.



Dec 18, 2012 at 01:17 PM
deepbluejh
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p.1 #13 · p.1 #13 · Value of macro lens?


swoop wrote:
Exactly. Don't bother with a macro lens, it's just added weight for something you'll rarely use. A 12mm extension tube can do a fine job and takes up little space.


Extension tubes are very focal length dependent. A 12mm tube is only going to be significant on a very short focal length lens. For a longer focal length lens, you are going to need a lot more "extension" to get really close to a ring. It's still far cheaper than buying a dedicated macro, but the tubes could become a bit unwieldy for certain longer lenses.



Dec 18, 2012 at 01:20 PM
WNStudio
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p.1 #14 · p.1 #14 · Value of macro lens?


I use macro 50 2.5 Canon just for macro shots when shooting weddings and it works just good. Bought used it was so cheap that I can tell it's worth the money But I wouldn't keep 100 IS just because it's too expensive to use it for a few shots. Would probably choose 100 2.0 (wchich I use) or 135L over 100 macro.


Dec 18, 2012 at 01:43 PM
LivLif
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p.1 #15 · p.1 #15 · Value of macro lens?


I love using my 105VR for ring shots and small details. I also use it instead of the 70-200 if I don't feel like carrying it around.


Dec 18, 2012 at 01:53 PM
Ian Ivey
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p.1 #16 · p.1 #16 · Value of macro lens?


I use an extension tube with my 70-200 for ring shots.


Dec 18, 2012 at 02:08 PM
Mitch W
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p.1 #17 · p.1 #17 · Value of macro lens?


Ian Ivey wrote:
I use an extension tube with my 70-200 for ring shots.

I've used the tube with the 70-200, the 85 and the 50... worked great with all of them, although I've kind of settled into using it on the 50. I originally planned to get the 100 macro, but quickly shelved that plan after I started using the tube.



Dec 18, 2012 at 02:26 PM
cbradio09
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p.1 #18 · p.1 #18 · Value of macro lens?


i have the older 105mm Sigma 2.8 that is screw drive. It hunts pretty bad in low light, but beyond that, its stellar.


Dec 18, 2012 at 02:52 PM
MalachiConstant
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p.1 #19 · p.1 #19 · Value of macro lens?


I use my Canon 100L for lots of stuff. Commercial work with products, as well as when Im pleasure shooting and don't want to lug around the 70-200. I bring the 35L and 100L and I'm set! Macro lenses generally are fantastically sharp and light.


Dec 18, 2012 at 03:05 PM
BKphotography
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p.1 #20 · p.1 #20 · Value of macro lens?


Google it.


Dec 18, 2012 at 03:47 PM
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